October 11, 2024 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The government can still tap nearly P4 billion in calamity funds to finance various disaster relief operations for the last quarter of the year.
Data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) showed the government tapped the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF), known as the calamity fund, last month, releasing some P2.15 billion.
This brought the total calamity fund released to P18.81 billion as of the end of the third quarter.
This means that the remaining calamity fund stands at P3.92 billion, which the government can utilize for various disaster relief operations until yearend.
Total allocation for the year as approved under the 2024 budget is at P22.74 billion.
For September alone, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received P1.26 billion.
Of the amount, the biggest chunk at P1 billion was for the replenishment of its quick response fund (QRF), intended for other types of calamity-related infrastructure projects.
Based on the law, first response agencies are allocated QRFs in their annual budget. Once the QRF of any agency reaches 50 percent or lower, it can request replenishment from the DBM.
The QRF is used for the reconstruction, rehabilitation or repair of damaged roads, bridges and buildings, among others, after every calamity. It is also used to provide immediate relief to affected Filipinos in certain areas.
The remaining P255.27 million was earmarked for the emergency repair and restoration of various types of infrastructure in Ilocos Sur that were damaged by typhoons.
Likewise, the Department of Social Welfare and Development received P875 million for the replenishment of its QRF.
The Local Water Utilities Administration in September secured its first calamity fund for the year at P20.2 million which will cover the release of subsidy for the repair of water facilities in three water districts in Cagayan Valley region.
For the nine-month period, about 59 percent of the total calamity fund released went to the DPWH at P11.09 billion.
Other top recipients include the DSWD with P6.39 billion and the National Irrigation Administration with P450 million.
The remaining calamity funds were disbursed to the departments of Human Settlements and Urban Development, National Defense and Finance, as well as to the National Housing Authority.
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